(Margarita, Margherita, Marguerite, Margarete) [1647-1690]. A Visitandine nun at the Visitation Convent of Paray-le-Monial in France. From a revelation made to her by Our Lord in 1675, she was led to spread the public and liturgical devotion to the Sacred Heart. St. Margaret was canonized in 1920. She is depicted in the habit of her order holding a Flaming Heart or kneeling before Our Lord who exposes his heart to her. Her feast is October 16.

Healed from a crippling disorder by a vision of the Blessed Virgin, which prompted her to give her life to God. After receiving a vision of Christ fresh from the Scourging, she was moved to join the Order of the Visitation at Paray-le-Monial in 1671.

Received a revelation from Our Lord in 1675, which included 12 promises to her and to those who practiced a true to devotion to His Sacred Heart, whose crown of thorns represent his sacrifices. The devotion encountered violent opposition, especially in Jansenist areas, but has become widespread and popular.

Born

* 22 July 1647 at L’Hautecourt, Burgundy, France

Died

* 17 October 1690 of natural causes
* body incorrupt

Beatified

* 18 September 1864 by Pope Blessed Pius IX

Canonized

* 13 May 1920 by Pope Benedict XV

Patronage

* against polio
* against the death of parents
* devotees of the Sacred Heart
* polio patients

Represetation

* woman wearing the habit of the Order of the Visitation and holding a flaming heart
* woman wearing the habit of the Order of the Visitation and kneeling before Jesus who exposes His heart to her